IV 885 
B7 C63 
.834 
iopy 1 




ACT OF INCORPORATION, 

CONSTITUTION, 

GOVERNMENT AND BY-LAWS, 



BOSTON CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY, 



Organized December 4, 1833. 
Accepted tne Act of Incorporation March 35, 1834. 



u Train up a child in the way he should go." .... Solomon, 

" Be not weary in well doing." Pati^ 

** iust as the twig is bent, the tree f s inclin'd." 



38o*?tcn : 

J. HOWE, PRINTER, No. 39, MERCHANTS ROW, 

1834. 



(sass^aiiSg 



A number of individuals have, for a considerable time, 
been pained in view of the wretched and perilous condi- 
tion of very many poor children in this city, whose pa- 
rents from extreme poverty, indolence and intemperance, 
so entirely neglect and ill treat them as to render their 
situation truly pitiable. They have earnestly desired 
that some benevolent plan might be devised to rescue such 
from destruction and prepare them to become useful and 
respectable. But the magnitude of the undertaking, 
combined with the fact that so many Institutions already 
exist that draw heavily upon the charities of the benevo- 
lent, has hitherto deterred those friends from making any 
attempt to bring forward a new object. The suffering 
condition of several children at the present juncture, has, 
however, so far overcome that diffidence, as to constrain 
them to make a direct appeal to humanity, hoping that a 
due attention to the subject, will obviate all objections, 
and result in the establishment of an Institution that will 
prove a blessing to the community, while it shall rara 
from the depths of human misery many an innocem 
helpless sufferer, that must otherwise, in all probability, 
meet an early grave, or live to grow up a hardened use- 
less being ; and after contributing to the ruin of others, 
exchange a life of wretchedness for a world of wo ! 

In presenting this subject, we expect to be met by the 
argument, that there already is open an "Asylum for In- 
digent Boys," another for "Orphan Girls," besides the 



provision that is made for destitute children from the 
public chest. All this is acknowledged. But a thorough 
investigation of the point in hand will show, that there is 
a class of a very interesting character, who, for various 
reasons, are not, and probably never will be benefitted by 
either of those, notwithstanding their excellencies and 
their utility. 

Besides the class of children already named, there is 
yet another, that stands in imminent danger, and calls 
aloud for help, viz. those who have one parent, either 
father or mother, that is willing to labour for their sup- 
port ; but w 7 hile they do this, it is out of their power to 
oversee their children, because their work calls them 
from home. It is often the case that they suffer for want 
of proper care, become unmanageable, get into the com- 
pany of vicious associates, and are ruined. How dis- 
tressing the situation of a mother s for instance, her hus- 
band dead, or w r orse than dead, and herself obliged to go 
out, perhaps every day in the week, to work for the main- 
tenance of three or four children. She leaves them, it 
may be, with an aged relative, or some person who has 
no authority over them ; they take advantages ; neglect 
their schools ; are unreasonably corrected, or injuriously 
indulged, and the afflicted woman sees them growing up 
before her, with the disheartening prospect of their be- 
coming odious in society, and Jikely to bring her with 
sorrow to her grave. 

It is believed, by those who have reflected upon the 
subject, that an Institution may be raised, that will be 
calculated to benefit such children, and greatly to re- 
lieve their parents, while it will not assume the responsi- 
bility of entirely supporting the children. The parents, 
when there are such, should be required to do all that 
they are able to do. Where the parents are dissolute, 



however, it will be expedient to take them (by agree- 
ment) from under their control, altogether. 

It being evident that much evil results to society as 
well as to families, from the neglect and ill management 
of boys as well as girls, it is proposed that such, under 
certain arrangements, shall be subjects of this charity, 
and the aid, both advisory and pecuniary, of gentlemen 
as well as ladies, shall be solicited. The care and gov- 
ernment will, however, more appropriately devolve on 
ladies. 

The outlines of a plan are herein presented, and la- 
dies particularly are respectfully invited to promote the 
object by subscriptions and donations, and by soliciting 
the patronage of gentlemen and others, 

PL.AN. 

It is proposed that funds be raised for the purpose of 
establishing a house for the reception of such children 
as may be considered suitable subjects, agreeably to the 
principles suggested above. The design is to render it 
as nearly as possible, like a well-regulated family, of 
brothers and sisters, under the care and guidance of 
wise and affectionate parents. 

Those parents who may wish to place their childrep 
under its care, with a view to their being instructed ana 
brought up to habits of industry, economy, neatness, 
&c. &,c. and have the ability to do so, shall be require^ 
to pay, weekly or monthly, such sum for each child W 
shall, under existing circumstances, be judged reasona- 
ble, and at the same time be more beneficial to their 
children, and more advantageous to themselves, than to 
keep them at their own homes. They must, moreover, 
resign them wholly to the government of the Institution 
during their residence in it, to be subject to such regula- 
tions as shall be most conducive to the general good; the- 
1* ' 



6 

best interests of the family being the ruling motive with 
those who undertake to manage the arduous concern. 

The ages of children at the time of admission, may 
vary as circumstances shall dictate. And the dismis- 
sion^of such as shall he fully adopted by the Institution, 
as well as the occupation to be pursued, shall be regu- 
lated likewise by existing circumstances. Some may be 
best adapted to domestic ^vocations, others, to learning 
some useful trade, &,c. Particular regard, therefore, 
shall be had to the capacities and inclinations of differ- 
ent individuals, as no one can be very profitable to her- 
self, or others, if placed at an employment for which 
she has no natural taste or disposition. And the Insti- 
tution may be rather benefitted than burdened by per- 
mitting some of them to reside a greater length of time 
than others, under its paternal roof. As respects boys, 
however, it will be proper that they be transferred to 
other hands as early as the age of seven or eight. 

Religious instruction shall be considered of primary 
importance. Spelling, Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, 
English Grammar, Geography, and Needle-work, shall 
be taught, agreeably to the capacities of the children. 
And when the establishment shall have so far advanced 
as to render it practicable, the girls shall be instructed 
in the essential and necessary arts of cookery, and other 
branches of domestic economy and household labour ; it 
Wing obvious that much inconvenience and much waste 
of property result from a want of thorough information 
in those branches of female education. 

Comfortable and sufficient food, clothing and lodging 
shall be provided ; and strict attention paid to cleanli- 
ness and health. 

It is sometimes the case that benevolent individuals 
take upon themselves the charge of supporting an indi- 



gent friendless child. It may be a great convenience to 
place such a one in an Institution like the one under 
contemplation, the individual defraying the expense, at 
the same time relieving himself, or herself, of the care 
and incumberance. It has often been found extremely 
difficult to obtain suitable boarding places for children, 
particularly poor children, where the advantages of a 
home, and requisite instructions are combined. It is pro- 
posed that this shall be a place where the most respect- 
able poor may feel perfectly safe in placing their chil- 
dren, as all intercourse will be cut off between the fam- 
ily, as such, and the connexions of any that may be so 
unhappy as to have connexions, that are otherwise. 

This interesting object is most sincerely commended 
to the blessing and direction of Him who, when on earth, 
took little children into his arms and blessed them, aware 
that no enterprise can succeed, without His benediction. 

Boston, November, 1833. 



8 
GTomwcmtoealt}) of JWassacJmsetts, 

In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four. 
AN ACT 

TO INCORPORATE THE BOSTON CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY. 

Section 1. BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority 
of the same, That Ann Lee, Margaret D. Baldwin, Phebe 
H. Linsley, Susan D. Reynolds, and Mary Webb, with 
their associates and successors, are hereby incorporated by 
the name of the Boston Children's Friend Society, for the 
purpose of providing for the support and education of Indi- 
gent Children of both sexes, not otherwise provided for, and 
who, for want of paternal care, are in a suffering and danger- 
ous condition. 

Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, That said Corporation may 
receive and take by purchase, grant, devise, bequest or dona- 
tion, any real or personal property, and hold the same for the 
purposes aforesaid, and may manage and dispose of the same 
according to their discretion, provided, that, the whole amount 
of the real and personal property held and possessed by the 
said Corporation shall never exceed in value at any one time, 
the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars. 

Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, That Richard Fletcher, 
John Tappan, John B. Jones, Benjamin Smith, Daniel 
Noyes, John C. Pi*octor, Samuel H. Walley, Jr. Moses 
Po^d, George Denny, Benjamin Perkins, Ebenezer Hay- 
ward, and Benjamin Howard, and their successors, are 
hereby constituted a Board of Advisers, to co-operate with, 
and assist the Officers and Managers of said Boston Chil- 
dren's Friend Society, in promoting the benevolent purposes 
aforesaid. 

House of Representatives, March 8. 1834., passed to be enacted. 

W. B. CALHOUN, Speaker. 

In Senate, March 11, 1834, passed to be enacted. 

B. F. PICKMAN, President 

March II, 1834, approved, 

JOHN DAVIS. 

A Copy. Attest, 

EDWARD D. BANGS, Secry. of the Commonwealth. 



©osrs^aawiKaosTo 



Agreeably to a public invitation, a meeting was held at the 
Lecture Room of the Rev. Mr. Malcom's Meeting-house, 
on Wednesday morning, December 4* 1833, when the fol- 
lowing Constitution was adopted, 

ARTICLE I. 

This Society shall be known and designated by the 
name of the MOUtOU gMjittftttt'* jftitVfo <£0Ct*t£, 

the objects of which, are expressed in the preceding Cir- 
cular ; and which shall consist of both males and females. 

ARTICLE II. 

A Lady or Gentleman, subscribing and paying two 
dollars annually, shall be a member. Any person pa}- 
ing twenty-five dollars at one time, or in two instalments 
of $12£ each, shall be a member for life. Annual mem- 
bership for children and youth one dollar. 

ARTICLE III. 

The Society shall annually make choice of a Board of 
Ladies to manage the affairs of the Institution ; by whom 
a Board of Advisers shall be elected, consisting of Gen- 
tlemen, who are subscribers or donors; the number of 
which, shall be determined as occasion may require. 

ARTICLE IY. 

A President, three Vice Presidents, a Secretary, Treas-^ 
urer, and twelve Managers, shall constitute the Board of 



10 

Ladies ; who shall appoint such number of Collectors as 
they may find expedient. They shall likewise have 
power to fill vacancies that may occur in either depart- 
ment, and to appoint the Governesses. 

ARTICLE V. 

The respective officers thus chosen, will be expected 
to fulfil their appropriate official duties. No monies shall 
be paid out of the Treasury, but by a written order from 
the President, or a Vice President ; and the Treasurer 
shall exhibit at every annual meeting, or oftener, if re- 
quested, an account current of all receipts and disburse- 
ments, together with the amount of the balance on hand. 
And whenever the funds shall have amounted to the sum 
of two thousand dollars, she shall be required to give 
bonds. 

ARTICLE VI. 

The annual meeting shall be held on the first Wednes- 
day in December, at half past ten o'clock, at such place 
as the Board may assign, of which the Secretary shall 
give public notice. The meetings of the Society and of 
the Board, shall always be opened by prayer. 

ARTICLE VII. 

The Board shall meet regularly for the transaction of 
business, on the first Friday in every month, at half past 
ten, A. M. at the Society's House; and may hold extra 
meetings whenever it may be requisite, at the call of the 
President, or in her absence, of a Vice President, with 
the concurrence of two other members of the Board. 
Any number of the officers and managers present at a 
regular meeting, shall be competent to proceed to busi- 
ness in fifteen minutes after the appointed hour. 



11 

ARTICLE VIII. 

A Committee of two Ladies shall be appointed at each 
monthly meeting, to visit the Institution once or more 
every week, to inspect the House ; to see that suitable 
provision is made for the support and instruction of the 
family; to confer with the Governess, and if needful, 
with the Advisers, relative to the best plans and methods 
of promoting the interests of the establishment; to en- 
courage good behaviour, neatness, industry, &c. in the 
children ; with whatever duties may arise from existing 
circumstances ; and report at the meeting of the Board. 

ARTICLE IX. 

Any member of the Society may present the case of a 
needy child, and if, after the necessary inquiries, it ap- 
pears in the opinion of the visiting Committee and the 
Governess, to be a proper object of the charity, and the 
funds are adequate, it may be immediately admitted into 
the house, and await a further decision of the case, at 
the monthly meeting. 

The gratuitous professional services of one or more ap- 
proved Physicians, will be gratefully accepted by a vota 
of the Board. 

ARTICLE X, 

Any member has a right to withdraw from the Society, 
by signifying such a wish to the Secretary or the Treas- 
urer ; but is obligated to pay assessments, until the de- 
wre to withdraw is made known. 

ARTICLE XI. 

Amendments may be made in this Constitution, by the 
voice of a majority of the members presents at an an- 
nual meeting. 



ai2(a^&£LSn©i33 iiKriD ana&iiws* 



GOVERNMENT, 

The family shall be under the immediate care and 
management of a Governess and Assistant, or Assistants, 
who shall be persons of sound piety and virtuous exam- 
ple, chosen and appointed by the Board of Direction. 

It shall be the duty of the Principal, to superintend all 
the internal affairs of the Institution, and with the ad- 
vice of the Board, to made arrangements respecting the 
appropriate duties of the assistants : to keep a fair and 
accurate account of all the provisions, goods, &c. that 
she may receive into the house ; of all the articles she 
may be authorized to purchase, or payments she may 
make on behalf of the Board ; to be careful that nothing 
is wasted or misused, and once a quarter, to render an 
estimate of whatever may remain on hand. 

She will be expected to keep a record of the names 
and ages of all the children that are committed to her 
care, their parent's names and places of birth, so nearly 
as can be ascertained, with any other circumstances re- 
lating to the children that may be interesting. She will 
preserve general order, industry, neatness, frugality and 
economy ; see that the food, and clothing, and lodging 
are comfortable and sufficient ; and that proper care is 
exercised in cases of sickness. She will further see that 
the requisite instructions are regularly and kindly im- 
parted, and by a mild and affectionate exhibition of raa- 
2 



14 

ternal regard, endeavour to gain the respect and esteem 
of her pupils, and tP bring them up in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord. 

She will maintain family worship, strictly observe the 
Lord's-day,-and daily afford such religious instruction as 
they may be capable of receiving, and as shall be adapt- 
ed, with the blessing of God, to qualify them to become 
useful in the present life, and happy in the life to come. 

An entire unanimity of feeling and action should be 
preserved in the management of the family, by those to 
whose care it is committed. The slightest appearance of 
the contrary, would have an unhappy influence on the 
children. 

ADMISSION OF CHILDREN. 

In the admission of children, care should be taken 
that none be received, but such as are proper subjects. 
Their education, and preparation for usefulness and re- 
spectability, as well as their rescue from exposure to 
vice and suffering, being a leading motive in this la- 
bour of love, some regard should be had to children of 
promise in point of intellect. And as this Institution will 
differ essentially from an alms-house or hospital, it will 
be advisable not to admit any that are labouring under 
diseases that are likely to affect the general health of the 
others. 

The ages of the children at the time of their admis- 
sion into the family, and also of their dismission to other 
situations, may vary. But the Board will exercise a 
guardianship over those who are fully given up to its pro- 
tection, (should their conduct be good,) until they arrive 
at the age of twenty-one ; maintaining a paternal care for 
them, and endeavouring to promote their welfare and 
happiness. The parents of such, if they have any, will 
be required to give up the children by a written or prim- 



15 

ed agreement to the guardianship and management of 
the Board, agreeably to the form of surrender annexed 
to these regulations. 

The Girls, after having gone through such a course of 
instruction as they are adapted to receive, and their ca- 
pacities having so far developed themselves as to dis- 
cover their taste and ability for employment, suitable 
situations shall be sought for them, where they may be- 
come qualified to obtain a respectable and comfortable 
support for themselves, until the age of eighteen, or 
marriage within that age. 

After the age of eighteen, they shall receive all the 
avails of their own earnings, with the advice and assist- 
ance of the Board, as to the best mode of improving 
such earnings, until they are twenty-one. They will 
thus be as advantageously situated as are young per- 
sons whose parents are able and willing to oversee and 
direct them, while they support themselves by their own 
industry ; no one having a right to demand any portion 
of their wages, from eighteen to twenty-one. 

Previously to eighteen, or marriage within that age, 
they will be provided for, (if they prove worthy,) either 
in the Institution, or in such family, or at such occupa- 
tion as they may be placed by the Board. And in case 
of the decease of those under whose care they are plac- 
ed, or of treatment by them, which is inconsistent with 
the obligations expressed in the Indentures, the Board 
reserves to itself the power of transferring the inden- 
tures to another individual. 

The Boys, at the age of seven or eight, (earlier if 
needful,) will be under the immediate care and direc- 
tion of the Board of Gentlemen ; who will pursue a 
course, corresponding with that followed in reference to 
the girls ; (the ladies still exerting a maternal watchful- 
ness and influence over them,) until they become of age. 



16 

Should any child prove incorrigible, or utterly inca- 
pable of being prepared to obtain a livelihood, it shall be 
kindly and equitably dealt by, and be disposed of, as cir- 
cumstances shall dictate to be right and proper. 

The Board, in certain cases, may permit individuals 
to .remain in the family during the whole term of their 
minority, when by so doing, they may be rendered more 
useful to the Institution and to themselves. 

OP PARENTS OR FRIENDS, 

Who may wish to place a Child in the Institution, at their own 
expense, either in whole or in part 

As this Institution is by no means intended to coun- 
tenance vice, or indolence, or to release parents from 
the obligations which the great Creator has laid upon 
them to support and educate their children ; but rather, 
is designed to assist them in the more faithful discharge 
of those high and important duties ; it shall be required 
of those who may wish to avail themselves of these ad- 
vantages, and have it within their power, to pay such 
Bum per week, or month, as shall be judged reasonable 
and proper according to circumstances, by a committee 
appointed for that purpose ; and the parents or friends 
shall sign a written or printed agreement that they will 
give up the child or children, entirely to the care, guar- 
dianship and management of the Board, to be governed 
by the same rules and regulations as are those who are 
fully adopted, so long as they remain in the house. 

If a parent or friend who, either in whole or in 
part, defrays the expenses of a child, wishes to remove 
it from the Institution, he or she must give notice to the 
Governess, or to the Visiting Managers, whose duty it 
shall be to examine into the circumstances of the case, 
and report to the Board, or to the Standing Committee. 
If it appear safe and proper, and that the child will bq 



17 

suitably provided for, it may be dismissed by a vote of 
the Board or of the Committee, as shall be determined 
by the Board ; which vote shall be recorded, with such 
items of the case as may be requisite. 

If upon examination, there is reason to apprehend 
that a removal will be hazardous to the morals of the 
child, such course shall be pursued as prudence shall 
dictate, and as shall be conformable to the principles 
contained in the surrender of the child to the charge of 
the Institution. 

Any person of good moral character, who fully pays 
the board-of a child, may withdraw it at pleasure. 

If it should be found, after a residence of a few 
months, that any child whose board is wholly or partial- 
ly paid, is not a suitable subject for the Institution, the 
Board shall have the right to dismiss it to the parent or 
friend who surrendered it; or with the consent of such 
friend, to make other provision for the child. 

MANAGEMENT AND INSTRUCTION. 
The glory of God, the salvation of souls, the preven- 
tion of pauperism and crime, and the moral and civil 
order of society, are the great objects which the 'Chil- 
dren's Friend Society have in view; and for the accom- 
plishment "of which, as instruments, they are willing to 
labour. Conscious that .they are entirely dependent on 
the blessing of God and the gracious operations of his 
Holy Spirit, to render the means efficacious, they have 
engaged in this important work. And as the religious 
and moral culture of those infant and untutored minds, 
forms the basis on which rests their hope of success, 
they consider the duties of the Governess as arduous 
and binding. She will be expected to take the following 
items, as the model of her course of instructions and 
management. 

2* 



18 

She will teach them that the Holy Scriptures are the 
word of God. and that they are bound to Jove him with 
all their heart, and to believe and obey the gospel of 
Jesus Christ our Lord. That they are accountable to 
him for all their words and actions ; that he requires 
them to pay a sacred regard to truth, honesty and every 
other moral duty. She will endeavour to mould their 
dispositions to habits of obedience and respect to supe- 
riors, of kindness and affection for equals, and of ten- 
derness and sympathy for those who are less favoured 
than themselves ; and to honour the aged, whether rich 
or poor. The duty and advantages of self -gov eminent, 
of prompt submission to family government, and the 
faithful improvement of time, will be set before them in 
a pleasing and interesting manner, and enforced and 
illustrated by Scripture examples. 

SCHOOLING, EMPLOYMENT, <fcc. 

They shall be taught Spelling, Reading, Writing, 
Arithmetic, Geography, English Grammar, Needle-work 
and House-work, agreeably to the ages, capacities and 
sex of the pupils. Those who are old enough, shall 
mend and keep in order their own clothes, and by week- 
ly rotation, assist in the domestic business of the family* 
They shall likewise assist in taking care of the younger 
children, that by administering little kindnesses and atten- 
tions to them, they may become qualified for the exercise 
of more enlarged duties of a similar nature in after life. 

Whenever circumstances shall justify the measure, a 
suitable person may be employed to instruct them in the 
necessary and important art of Cookery ; a branch of 
female education so essential to the comfort and pros- 
perity of families. 

If the weather permit, they shall regularly attend pub- 
lic worship on the Lord's-day, at such place as the Board 



19 

shall direct; and in the intervals of worship, the time 
shall be improved in reading or hearing read the Scrip- 
tures, and other suitable books, singing hymns, &,c. &x. 
that the day may be rendered happy and its return de- 
sirable. On week days, suitable hours shall be allowed 
for recreation, and regular hours for school. 

The Governess shall not allow any child to be absent 
from the house, without special permission in writing, 
from one of the Board. 

No relative or acquaintance of any child belonging to 
the Institution shall interfere in the management of such 
child, or be permitted to visit him, or her, without the 
presence of a governess, nor shall more than two of the 
same family visit any child at the same time, (and never 
on the Lord's-day,) except in cases of sickness. 

ACCOMMODATIONS. 

Wholesome and sufficient food, shall be regularly and 
seasonably provided. The Governess will attend them 
at their meals, invoke a blessing, and see that proper de- 
corum is observed at table. 

Decent and comfortable clothing, suited to the sea- 
sons of the year, shall be provided, without particular 
regard to uniform. Also, comfortable lodging. 

In cases of sickness, medical advice will be rendered 
by the Physicians who kindly accept the appointment of 
the Board. And the patient shall be recommended for 
medicines to the charity of the " Boston Dispensary," 
unless medicines are supplied by benevolent friends. 

The Governess will visit the rooms before retiring at 
night, to see that the children are safe and comfortable. 

No child shall be allowed to carry a lighted lamp or 
candle to any part of the house without the presence of 
a Governess ; and the children who are old enough to 
retire to bed alone, shall be accustomed to do so without 



20 

a light. This will be done with a view to prevent any 
unpleasant impressions or apprehensions about being in 
the dark. 

The Governess and Assistant, shall never be absent 
from the house at the same time, and neither should be 
absent during the night, without the knowledge and per- 
mission of the Visiting Committee. 

The Committee will examine the children respecting 
their proficiency in learning, ascertain their treatment, 
and attend to other duties, as specified in the 8th Arti- 
cle of the Constitution. 

GENERAL, DIRECTIONS. 
The children shall rise at five o'clock in summer, and 
at seven in winter. Go to bed at six in winter and at 
eight in summer. Immediately after rising, repeat 
prayers and hymns. Y/ash in cold water, comb their 
heads, clean their chambers, and attend family worship. 
Take breakfast. Play until nine o'clock. School shall 
then commence, and continue until twelve. Dinner and 
proper recreation, shall occupy the time until two. ' At- 
tend school till five. Play till supper. ' Repeat Scrip- 
ture or prayers, and sing hymns. Wash, and retire at 
the hour appointed, until old enough to sit up and work 
or study one or two hours later. Saturday afternoons, 
brush or dust the chambers, wash all over, and put 
elothes in order for the Lord's-day. 



May the Great Head of the Church condescend to own 
this new and untried effort of his people, to benefit their fel- 
low beings. May a large capital of mind, that would other- 
wise remain shrouded in ignorance, or expand, only in the 
practice of evil, be brought into pure and vigorous action, 
and exert a happy influence on the morals of our city. And 
may many immortal souls, be prepared, by the blessing of 
God, for the kingdom of eternal glory. 



21 

Form of a surrender of a child fully given up to the guardian- 
ship, direction and management of the Institution. 

3£noto ail iHett b$ tfjese presents, That I 
of , in the County of , and Com- 

monwealth of Massachusetts, the of 

a minor, in consideration that the said child has been receiv- 
ed by the Boston Children's Friend Society, to be nur- 
tured, educated and employed according to the rules and regu- 
lations of said Institution, do hereby surrender and release the 
said to the said Boston Children's Friend Society, 

to the entire, sole and exclusive care, management and direction 
of the said Society, and the Board of Managers thereof, until 
the day of which will be in the year of our 

Lord one thousand eight hundred and when the said 

will have arrived at the age of twenty-one years ; 
to be fed, clothed, governed, instructed, corrected and em- 
ploy ed, s according to the regulations of said Institution, and 
under the direction of the proper officers thereof, and when 
they shall think fit and proper, by them to be bound out in a 
virtuous family, or to a respectable trade or occupation ; or to 
be educated in such other manner as they may deem benefi- 
cial during said term of minority ; hereby giving, granting, 
and transferring unto them, all my right, power and authority 
in and over the said minor. 

And I do hereby covenant, That I will in no way or man- 
ner, either directly or indirectly, interfere with the manage- 
ment, direction, or government of the said minor ; that I will 
never visit, nor attempt to visit except as may from 

time to time be permitted me under the regulations of said 
Institution ; that I will never ask nor receive any compensa- 
tion for services ; nor induce, nor attempt to induce 
to leave any family, station, or employment, in which may 
be placed by the Board of Managers ; and, finally, that I will 
strictly conform to all the rules, regulations and requirements 
of the said Boston Children's Friend Society. 

%n Zestlmon$ hereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
seal, this day of in the year of our Lord 

one thousand eight hundred and 

Signed, sealed and delivered, in presence of 



22 

Form of agreement to he signed by a parent, or guardian, who 
wishes to place his or her child, or ward, under the care of 
the Boston Children's Friend Society, and engages to 
defray, either in wliole, or in part, the expenses of said child. 

I, the subscriber, being desirous to place my child, 

under the care and protection of the Boston Chil- 
dren's Friend Society, to be fed, instructed, and governed 
agreeably to the rules and regulations of said Society, so 
long as circumstances render it necessary and expedient, do 
hereby agree that I will pay to the Treasurer of said Society, 
in consideration of the benefits that said child will receive, 
every week, or at that rate, by the month, and that 
I will abide by all the rules and regulations of said Institution, 
in such cases provided, so long as said child shall remain in 
said Institution ; and that I will not interfere with the man- 
agement or government of the said child during resi- 
dence and support in the Institution ; reserving however the 
right and privilege of taking said child, out of said Institu- 
tion, whenever my circumstances shall render it right, and 
consistent with the best good of the child to do so. And 
should I at any time apply for the child under circumstances, 
which, in the opinion of the Board of Managers, or of the 
Committee appointed to judge in such cases, will be hazard- 
ous to the morals, character, and interests of said child, I do 
hereby engage and agree to abide by the judgment, decision 
and advice of the said Board, or Committee ; and to wait un- 
til they may see that it is suitable and proper to return 
to my charge and protection. 

En £Testtmott2 bjjcteof, I hereunto set my hand, this 
day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight 

hundred and 

Signed in presence of 



23 



OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1»3*. 

Mrs. ANN LEE, President, 

Mrs. MARGARET D. BALDWIN, \ 

Mrs. PHEBE H. LINSLEY, V Vice PresHs. 

Mrs. SUSAN D. REYNOLDS, J 

Miss MARY WEBB, Secretary, 

Mrs. DEBORAH LEROW, Treasurer, 



MANAGERS. 



Mrs. Daniel Noyes, 
Mrs. Darius Boardman, 
Mrs. J. B. Jones, 
Mrs. J. C. Proctor, 
Mrs. Daniel Cummings, 
Mrs. Joseph Jackson, 



Mrs. Ebenezer Smith, 

Mrs. Mart Burns, 

Mrs. Sarah Colby, 

Mrs. Abel Baker, 

Mrs. Ebenezer Hayward, 

Mrs. Robert L. Bird. 



physicians. 

Dr. ALBERT WILLIAMS, 
Dr. JAMES B. GREGERSON. 



Collectors appointed fey the Board. 



Mrs. J. C. Fuller, 


Miss E. Morris, 


Mrs. P. Adams, 


Miss S. V. Bacon, 


Mrs. M. Carpenter, 


Miss D. Randall, 


Mrs. W. Adams, 


Miss S. Baker, 


Mrs. Lion, 


Miss L. Baker, 


Miss F. Has kins, 


Miss Howe, 


Miss M. Clough, 


Miss C. Jackson, 


Miss Thomas, 


Miss H. E. Hayward 


Miss S. McKneel, 





The names of the Gentlemen, composing the Board of 
Advisers, are inserted in the Act of Incorporation. 



24 

FORM OF A BEQUEST. 

i£em....I, A. B. do give and bequeath to the Treasurer for 
the time being, of the Boston Children's Friend Society, 
the sum of for the use and benefit of said Insti- 

tution, to be applied by the Board of Managers thereof, to 
the general objects of the Society. And I do direct, that the 
receipt of the Treasurer, shall be a sufficient discharge to my 
Executors for the same. 



Donations in money, goods, provisions, fuel, clothing, &c. 
&c. will be very gratefully accepted. 

The thanks of the Board are respectfully tendered to the 
Auxiliary Societies, and to individuals who have generously 
aided by donations. 



The Institution is located at No. 83, Prince Street, near 
Charlestown Bridge. Six children have been admitted, and 
others will be received as soon as an increase of funds will 
permit. Any articles of furniture, whether new or second 
hand, that the friends of the establishment may be pleased to 
bestow, will be highly acceptable. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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027 293 630 4 



